Speakers at a memorial meeting on Saturday said that Tofazzal Hossain Manik Mia was a true journalist and champion of democratic politics. He always used his pen as a weapon against social injustice and conspiracy against freedom of press and other democratic values.”Manik Mia dedicated his whole life for the emancipation of the people in the then East Pakistan and establishment of democracy in its truest sense. The nation today needs a brave journalist like Manik Mia,” they said. They said this at a meeting , organised by Manik Mia Research Academy (MMRA) at the Jatiya Press Club. Mir Mostaque Ahmed Robi, MP, presided over the meeting while Senior Advocate of Bangladesh Supreme Court Barrister Rafiqul Haque was the chief guest. Chairman of CDRB Dr Mizanur Rahman Shelley presented the keynote paper on Manik Mia.Professor Dr Sharif Uddin Ahmad of Dhaka University and Professor Dr Shalimullah Khan of University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh were present as special guests. Director of MMRA Delwar Hasan and former Acting Director of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Amirul Islam Bulbul, and Lion Md Nazrul Islam Sikder were among others, who also spoke.Barrister Rafiqul Haque paying rich tributes to Tofazzal Hossain Manik Mia said that he had played a vital role in politics and emergence of Bangladesh. He had to suffer harassment of the then Pakistani government for his courageous role. The Daily Ittefaq was also banned, he said. But he struggled relentlessly and never compromised, Rafiqul Haque said. Mizanur Rahman Shelley said that Manik Miah was a fearless journalist. He said that the then Pakistani rulers banned the publication of the daily Ittefaq but Manik Mia never bowed to their pressures. He said Manik Mia’s writings reflected hopes and aspirations of the people. Sharif Uddin Ahmad describing Manik Mia as a hero said he worked hard to build an exploitation free country. “Manik Mia was a versatile talent. We should learn about him from history. If we can do that, we will be able to serve the nation better.” Dr Salimullah Khan said that the nation needs a brave journalist like Manik Mia in today’s critical situation. He said that Manik Mia played a significant role in inspiring the people to join the war of independence.Manik Mia was active against military rule, autocracy and violation of fundamental human rights, Salimullah Khan said.
